1-On-1 With Roadrunners Defenseman Devante Stephens

One of Tucson’s newest signings, defenseman Devante Stephens joined “Voice of the Roadrunners” Adrian Denny and TucsonRoadrunners.com’s Jimmy Peebles on the Roadrunners Insider Podcast last week, after joining the Roadrunners on a one-year AHL contract. The full interview, including Devante’s go-to warm weather activities, can be found on the iHeartRadio app or by listening below.

Listen to “Hungry For Hockey: With Devante Stephens” on Spreaker.

Q: Welcome to Tucson, how did you get connected with the Roadrunners?

A: We were looking for a good fit, and we thought the Tucson Roadrunners matched that description. I’m excited to start this new chapter, and hopefully get into the playoffs and make a run.

Q: What excites you about coming to the desert and joining our pack with the Coyotes organization and the Roadrunners?

A: There’s some good opportunity down here and I think I’m a good fit. I play physical as a defenseman, and I’m excited to show my talents off in the desert.

Q: Are you a warm weather guy? You spent a year with Orlando in the ECHL, did that whet your appetite for hockey in the desert?

A: It definitely did. It’s a big change from being in Buffalo or Rochester or Syracuse. The warm weather was a nice treat that season.

Q: It looks like you’ve played a lot of warm weather hockey in your career just because your teams have gone so deep into the playoffs.

A: We usually make it pretty far, I’ve been blessed to have been on a lot of playoff teams and experienced a lot of playoff hockey. Hopefully we can keep that going this next season and have some fun.

Q: You took a road trip to Tucson last season with Abbotsford, what do you remember from your weekend here?

A: It was hot, that’s what I remember. I don’t think we spent too long in Tucson, but I loved the arena and the atmosphere there. I didn’t know what to expect, it was my first time down in Tucson, but I enjoyed the time at the rink and away from the rink.

Q: You’re staying in the Pacific Division after spending last season with Abbotsford. How does being out west compare to your time before that with Rochester and Syracuse in terms of style of play?

A: I like being on the West Coast, you get some sunshine and warm weather. There’s definitely a lot more travel, at least for me last year being in Abbotsford. We flew everywhere last year so we had to deal with the airports every time. That was different than being on the East Coast, where it’s a two-hour bus ride and you’re back in your own bed the same night. It’s different in that way, but I enjoyed taking a two-hour flight instead of an eight-hour bus ride.

Q: You won a championship in your first season with Kelowna in the WHL (2014-2015). What was that experience like?

A: That was a really cool experience. Being my first year in the WHL, I played alongside guys like (Edmonton Oilers Forward) Leon Draisaitl, (Winnipeg Jets Defenseman) Josh Morrissey, (Abbotsford Canucks teammate) Madison Bowey, (former Roadrunner) Nick Merkley. We had a really nice group with how we were set up. Those are memories that I’ll have for a lifetime. The junior hockey vibe is something that can’t be beat, hanging out with the guys and going to school together. Those are my brothers in a way, and it was a really cool experience.

Q: Do you remember playing against guys in the WHL like longtime Roadrunner Dysin Mayo, or new teammates Hudson Elynuik and Cam Hebig?

A: I definitely remember playing against those guys. I don’t know them too well, but it’s always cool reconnecting when we get a chance. It’s fun to reminisce and trade stories about playing against each other.

Q: Last year was a big year for you (AHL career highs for games played, assists, points). Where do you see yourself taking your game this season?

A: I want to build off my season from last year, and I only see myself going up. I want to take on a bigger role and be that voice and leader in the locker room. I’m coming into my sixth pro season and that’s getting up there. I want to be a presence each and every night. My hope is to build off last year and make this year even better. Maybe a bigger role offensively, but my main focus is obviously the back end. I led the team in plus/minus last year with +14, but maybe I can put up more numbers this year too.